Nelson was born on Feb. 27, 1943, in Rosiclare to Abner T. and Robbie Matthews Waggoner. He was employed as parts manager at Linwood Motors of Metropolis for 35 years. Lindell and Kathryn Eickholz, owners of Linwood Motors; their sons, Jeff and Dr. Jim Eickholz; and their children were his second family.

Nelson was an avid Kentucky Wildcats and St. Louis Cardinal fan. He was a kind generous man who will be remembered for his many kindnesses and his friendly manner.

Survivors include two brothers, Russell Waggoner and wife Susan of Cape Girardeau, Mo and Floyd Waggoner and wife Bobbie of Carterville; two nieces, Kim Zeller and husband Adam of Spring, Texas and Monica Barnes and husband Lance of Cape Girardeau; one nephew, Maj. Matthew Waggoner and wife Christy of Scott Air Force Base; and two great-nephews, Logan Waggoner and Benjamin Zeller.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A graveside service was held Monday at IOOF Cemetery in Elizabethtown with Rev. Ed Lafferty officiating.

Memorials may take the form of donations to the Linwood Motors ACS Relay For Life Team, c/o Linwood Motors, 1634 E. Fifth St., Metropolis, IL 62960; or may be dropped off at the Aikins-Farmer Funeral Home.